- Team
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Welcome to the 4th Edition of our Power Rankings. This edition covers the end of our third season in HyperMadden and also gives a bit of a playoff preview. I hope you all enjoy!
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) [Prev. 22]
After starting the year 3-4, the Jaguars fell on a rough stretch in which they lost all of the rest of their games except one versus the Titans in Week 11. They have a good roster that can win games as we saw last season when they won the SuperBowl. If they can get the right owner next season, they will be right back into their groove and might return to dominance.
31. Indianapolis Colts (4-12) [Prev. 31]
When the Colts started their season without any wins, their future looked rough. In the final half of the season, they pulled out some great wins that got them to 4-12. They have a good amount of draft picks this year and have young talent all around such as Quenton Nelson and Curtis Ferguson.
They'll be picking somewhere in the top ten and also have the Redskins' first-round pick which will be in the top twenty. If they can secure their franchise quarterback in this draft, along with developing their young talent, they can make a jump next season.
30. Oakland Raiders (3-13) [Prev. 25]
For the second year in a row, the Raiders will be drafting in the top five. They are starting to build a young core and will continue to add onto that
this offseason. They did some great drafting last season picking up guys such as Harmon Shoate in the first round. Their main focus should be acquiring more offensive playmakers as they only averaged eleven points per game on offense this season. They have a decent offensive line and
Derek Carr at quarterback, who still has a few years left on his contract.
29. Tennessee Titans (3-13) [Prev. 30]
Going into the season, it was known it would be a rebuilding year for the Titans. Although they went 3-13, they showed fight in a lot of their games.
Rookie running back Earl Barney was one of many bright spots on this team. It also looks like they will stick with Marcus Mariota for the foreseeable
future as they have not made a move to trade him yet.
28. Chicago Bears (3-13) [Prev. 29]
The Bears fell into a rough situation this season with their new owner inheriting a team that only had a win or two when he got into the league. The
Bears roster has a ton of talent on it especially on defense with guys like Roquan Smith. They also have playmakers like Allen Robinson and Jordan
Howard on offense. I feel that their biggest weakness is that they still have Tyrod Taylor making around $16 Million a year for the next three seasons.
Taylor is 31 and isn't getting any younger. If they could find a way to trade him and find a better quarterback this offseason that could help them make
the jump.
27. New York Jets (4-12) [Prev. 28]
The Jets had a much better season compared to last season compared to last season despite only winning one extra game. A lot of their young players
such as Sam Darnold, Robby Anderson, Demarcus Gipson, and Ono Cousins shined bright this season. They showed the ability to play hard against
good opponents but they need to work on closing games. After going heavy on fixing their offensive line the past two offseasons, it is time for them
to focus on patching up some holes on defense so they can finally make a leap next season.
26. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) [Prev. 18]
After a fairly hot start at 5-3 in the first half of the season, everything started to go downhill for the Cardinals season. They lost all of their remaining
except one in which they tied. As seen earlier in the season, they have the ability to compete and be a playoff team, they just have to get better at
competing against the top teams in the league.
25. Los Angeles Rams (6-9-1) [Prev. 26]
The Rams ended what was a fairly disappointing season against the Cardinals in Week 17. At 6-9-1, they should have a top ten pick in the upcoming draft that they could use on what they hope will be a star player, or they could potentially trade back with a team that wants to win now and accumulate more draft picks to fill a greater amount of holes.
24. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) [Prev. 19]
The 49ers were looking to come into the season and build off of the playoff appearance they had last season. They had a chance to overtake the Seahawks late in the season as Seattle cooled down from a hot start, but were unable to do so. They have a ton of talent on defense, especially at linebacker with guys like Luke Keuchley and Reuben Foster. They'll have to get more consistent though if they want to make a return to the playoffs.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (5-10-1) [Prev. 23]
In one of the toughest divisions in football, the Eagles didn't exactly have a cakewalk through their season. They had to play the top two NFC teams twice this year along with playing the AFC North. The Eagles had one of the hardest schedules in football, which explains their 5-10-1 record. They stood competitive and pulled out some wins against the top teams which shows they have a lot of talent. They also still have a lot of their best guys under contract for the future.
22. New England Patriots (6-10) [Prev. 17]
Although they ended the year 6-10, the Patriots still had a promising year. QB Sammy Silver continued to improve in his second year and has established a great relationship with WR DeJuan Lester. Silver and Lester helped lead New England to the second best passing offense in the league. They have the ability to pick apart any defense in the league. If they can fix some holes on their own defense, they'll become a dangerous team in the AFC.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) [Prev. 20]
When they started the season off 4-1, it looked like Kansas City was ready to continue their success from last season and it looked as if they were on track to win another AFC West title. After their week five victory over the Broncos, their whole season flipped. They only won two of their last eleven games to close out the season. Besides all of this, they were only one Week 17 loss to the Chargers from winning the division. We've seen that the Chiefs can win and this down season may have all been because of the injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Once Mahomes is back and healthy next season, the Chiefs will have a chance to prove their the real deal.
20. Denver Broncos (6-10) [Prev. 21]
After the Chiefs began to lose their lead in the AFC West, it looked as if the Broncos were going to be the team that overtook them. They began to gain ground on Kansas City, but they ultimately fell one game short of the AFC West title. They failed to win the one game they needed to clinch the division late in the season, but they showed that they could compete for their division. The AFC West race will be very interesting to watch next season as all four teams were within a few games of each other.
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-9-1) [Prev. 8]
After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, when the Vikings started this year 6-2, it looked like they were finally going to make their run. After that hot start to the year, they then went winless the rest of the way. The Vikings have a talented roster and a great user, but they weren't able to get it done this time. It may have been because of injuries or some other reason, but I would guess this season was just a fluke and they'll get back on track next year.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) [Prev. 13]
After having a fantastic 13-3 record last season, the Steelers were 4-1 at the start of the season with some quality wins over three playoff teams. From that point on, the Steelers only won two of their last games. This has turned out to be a disappointing year for Pittsburgh, who was hoping to make it to the SuperBowl. With their top pick and a large amount of cap space, they should be able to bring in some big name players who can become stars.
17. Washington Redskins (7-9) [Prev. 16]
The Redskins had one of the leagues best scoring offenses this past season. They did not benefit from their schedule though, as they had probably the hardest schedule out of anyone in this league. Going 7-9 especially after starting winless is not an easy feat. They came into their own down the stretch and showed promise for the future.
16. Carolina Panthers (10-6) [Prev. 5]
After starting the year 6-1, the Panthers narrowly missed out on the playoffs this time around. Although they did miss the postseason, they made a great accomplishment going 10-6 after a 2-14 record last season. They have a great owner and with more experience, they should be able to get it done next season.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) [Prev. 27]
As the second largest risers on this list, the Chargers quickly went from worst to first in the AFC West. After a rough start, they found their identity through running the ball with workhorse back Melvin Gordon. Gordon helped lead the Chargers on a win streak that led them to a division title. They lost in the first round the Cleveland, but they kept that game close and showed a lot of progress for next season.
14. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) [Prev. 14]
The Falcons were one of the many teams that we saw make a big jump this season. They brought in a new owner and he proved that he must be taken seriously. The Falcons ran a well-balanced team, as they were in the top half of the league in both offense and defense. They were only a game out of the last wild-card spot and with a few improvements could make it next season.
13. Miami Dolphins (7-9) [Prev. 32]
If I told you that after starting the season 0-8, the Dolphins would end up with a 7-9 record this season you would think that I was crazy. Well, that is exactly what happened. After getting a new owner after the midpoint of the season, they went on an incredible 7-1 run in the final eight games of the season. Although they weren't able to make it to the playoffs, it looks like the playoffs are in sight for next season if they continue to play as they did near the end.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) [Prev. 24]
When the Buccaneers started out the season 2-4, it looked as if last season was just a fluke. That ended up being far from the truth as they ended their year 9-7. If they could have gained their momentum just a little bit earlier, they would be in the playoffs right now. They'll be right with the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers next season in the race for the NFC South.
11. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) [Prev. 6]
Similar to the Panthers, the Seahawks settled down after a hot start to the year. They were able to sneak into the playoffs, getting the sixth seed but ultimately losing to Dallas in the wild-card round. Although they did not make it too far into the postseason, this season shows that they are trending in the right direction as they are fairly young and will learn how to close out some of their games.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5) [Prev. 2]
Another huge turnaround story with a new owner from last season, the Bengals ended one of their best seasons in franchise history 11-5. Unfortunately, they lost a close game against the Texans in the first round, but they are still a young team that has a lot of potential to do even better. As they get more experience, I could see them making a much deeper run next season.
9. Detroit Lions (12-4) [Prev. 4]
After being near the bottom half of the league for the past two seasons, the Lions finally made their big jump. They'll end the year 12-4 and with the fifth seed. They had both a top ten defense and offense which helped them tremendously. They ultimately lost a heartbreaker versus their archrival, the Packers in the first round but next season they will come back with a vengeance.
8. Green Bay Packers (12-4) [Prev. 9]
The Packers did not slow down and suffer from a Super Bowl hangover from last season. They secured themselves as NFC North Champions and defeated their division rival, the Lions in the opening round. They now have to go on the road into New Orleans to face a really good Saints team. They'll fight hard in that game and may be able to come out with a victory, but it will not be easy.
7. Buffalo Bills (13-3) [Prev. 15]
After an 8-8 season, the Bills went hard this offseason spending a lot of money and draft capital to acquire star players that they believed could help them make the jump and win a Super Bowl. It seems like their plan is working so far. They went 13-3 in the regular season and looked ready to make a deep playoff run. Although they were ultimately unable to get past the divisional round, where they lost to Cleveland, they played a close game. They should be able to continue this success next season, but the Dolphins may be a major threat to their dominance in the AFC East.
6. Houston Texans (12-4) [Prev. 10]
The Texans continued their winning ways this season with their 12-4 record. After a 0-2 start, they went 12-2 through the rest of the season. They worked their way to the 3 seed in the AFC and had a good team win against the Bengals. In a rematch of the AFC Championship game from two years ago, they ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens in a great game. Next year they'll look to finally get over the hump and advance to the Super Bowl.
5. Dallas Cowboys (13-3) [Prev. 3]
After another fantastic season for Dallas, they looked as if they had their chance to beat the Giants. They were up late in overtime with a chance to stop the Giants on fourth and goal to win the game. They ultimately let up a late touchdown pass from Kyle Lauletta that knocked them out of the playoffs. Besides from the Giants, the Cowboys have been able to beat almost anyone else in the league. Once they finally beat the Giants, they'll return to the Super Bowl.
4. Cleveland Browns (11-5) [Prev. 12]
After having an up and down regular season at times, the Browns completely flipped the switch in the playoffs. They went on the road and defeat the Chargers in a close game and then went into Buffalo and beat the first seeded Bills. They've been road warriors through the playoffs and will have one more game against their rivals the Ravens for a ticket into the Super Bowl. They've split their regular season games so this will be a good one.
3. New Orleans Saints (12-4) [Prev. 11]
After missing out on the postseason last year, the Saints came into this season hungry. They had a great 12-4 year that earned them the second seed in the NFC. They've got a matchup with the Packers this week and the winner will advance to the NFC Championship against the Giants.
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) [Prev. 7]
After missing the playoffs last season, the Ravens are now back into the postseason and look incredible. They defeated the Texans in the Divisional Round and have a big matchup against Cleveland in the AFC Championship. Lamar Jackson has cut down on the turnovers and has helped the Ravens have the best offense in the NFL, averaging 39 points per game. Now is their chance to win that Super Bowl that they missed out on in Season 1.
1. New York Giants (14-2) [Prev. 1]
The Giants have been the best team in the league for this whole season. They have looked unbeatable at times this season, and are the only ones who have been able to beat the Cowboys. They've got a team that is loaded with talent and playmakers all around for Kyle Lauletta. They'll host the winner of Packers vs Saints in the NFC Championship with a chance to make the Super Bowl.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) [Prev. 22]
After starting the year 3-4, the Jaguars fell on a rough stretch in which they lost all of the rest of their games except one versus the Titans in Week 11. They have a good roster that can win games as we saw last season when they won the SuperBowl. If they can get the right owner next season, they will be right back into their groove and might return to dominance.
31. Indianapolis Colts (4-12) [Prev. 31]
When the Colts started their season without any wins, their future looked rough. In the final half of the season, they pulled out some great wins that got them to 4-12. They have a good amount of draft picks this year and have young talent all around such as Quenton Nelson and Curtis Ferguson.
They'll be picking somewhere in the top ten and also have the Redskins' first-round pick which will be in the top twenty. If they can secure their franchise quarterback in this draft, along with developing their young talent, they can make a jump next season.
30. Oakland Raiders (3-13) [Prev. 25]
For the second year in a row, the Raiders will be drafting in the top five. They are starting to build a young core and will continue to add onto that
this offseason. They did some great drafting last season picking up guys such as Harmon Shoate in the first round. Their main focus should be acquiring more offensive playmakers as they only averaged eleven points per game on offense this season. They have a decent offensive line and
Derek Carr at quarterback, who still has a few years left on his contract.
29. Tennessee Titans (3-13) [Prev. 30]
Going into the season, it was known it would be a rebuilding year for the Titans. Although they went 3-13, they showed fight in a lot of their games.
Rookie running back Earl Barney was one of many bright spots on this team. It also looks like they will stick with Marcus Mariota for the foreseeable
future as they have not made a move to trade him yet.
28. Chicago Bears (3-13) [Prev. 29]
The Bears fell into a rough situation this season with their new owner inheriting a team that only had a win or two when he got into the league. The
Bears roster has a ton of talent on it especially on defense with guys like Roquan Smith. They also have playmakers like Allen Robinson and Jordan
Howard on offense. I feel that their biggest weakness is that they still have Tyrod Taylor making around $16 Million a year for the next three seasons.
Taylor is 31 and isn't getting any younger. If they could find a way to trade him and find a better quarterback this offseason that could help them make
the jump.
27. New York Jets (4-12) [Prev. 28]
The Jets had a much better season compared to last season compared to last season despite only winning one extra game. A lot of their young players
such as Sam Darnold, Robby Anderson, Demarcus Gipson, and Ono Cousins shined bright this season. They showed the ability to play hard against
good opponents but they need to work on closing games. After going heavy on fixing their offensive line the past two offseasons, it is time for them
to focus on patching up some holes on defense so they can finally make a leap next season.
26. Arizona Cardinals (5-10-1) [Prev. 18]
After a fairly hot start at 5-3 in the first half of the season, everything started to go downhill for the Cardinals season. They lost all of their remaining
except one in which they tied. As seen earlier in the season, they have the ability to compete and be a playoff team, they just have to get better at
competing against the top teams in the league.
25. Los Angeles Rams (6-9-1) [Prev. 26]
The Rams ended what was a fairly disappointing season against the Cardinals in Week 17. At 6-9-1, they should have a top ten pick in the upcoming draft that they could use on what they hope will be a star player, or they could potentially trade back with a team that wants to win now and accumulate more draft picks to fill a greater amount of holes.
24. San Francisco 49ers (6-10) [Prev. 19]
The 49ers were looking to come into the season and build off of the playoff appearance they had last season. They had a chance to overtake the Seahawks late in the season as Seattle cooled down from a hot start, but were unable to do so. They have a ton of talent on defense, especially at linebacker with guys like Luke Keuchley and Reuben Foster. They'll have to get more consistent though if they want to make a return to the playoffs.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (5-10-1) [Prev. 23]
In one of the toughest divisions in football, the Eagles didn't exactly have a cakewalk through their season. They had to play the top two NFC teams twice this year along with playing the AFC North. The Eagles had one of the hardest schedules in football, which explains their 5-10-1 record. They stood competitive and pulled out some wins against the top teams which shows they have a lot of talent. They also still have a lot of their best guys under contract for the future.
22. New England Patriots (6-10) [Prev. 17]
Although they ended the year 6-10, the Patriots still had a promising year. QB Sammy Silver continued to improve in his second year and has established a great relationship with WR DeJuan Lester. Silver and Lester helped lead New England to the second best passing offense in the league. They have the ability to pick apart any defense in the league. If they can fix some holes on their own defense, they'll become a dangerous team in the AFC.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) [Prev. 20]
When they started the season off 4-1, it looked like Kansas City was ready to continue their success from last season and it looked as if they were on track to win another AFC West title. After their week five victory over the Broncos, their whole season flipped. They only won two of their last eleven games to close out the season. Besides all of this, they were only one Week 17 loss to the Chargers from winning the division. We've seen that the Chiefs can win and this down season may have all been because of the injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Once Mahomes is back and healthy next season, the Chiefs will have a chance to prove their the real deal.
20. Denver Broncos (6-10) [Prev. 21]
After the Chiefs began to lose their lead in the AFC West, it looked as if the Broncos were going to be the team that overtook them. They began to gain ground on Kansas City, but they ultimately fell one game short of the AFC West title. They failed to win the one game they needed to clinch the division late in the season, but they showed that they could compete for their division. The AFC West race will be very interesting to watch next season as all four teams were within a few games of each other.
19. Minnesota Vikings (6-9-1) [Prev. 8]
After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, when the Vikings started this year 6-2, it looked like they were finally going to make their run. After that hot start to the year, they then went winless the rest of the way. The Vikings have a talented roster and a great user, but they weren't able to get it done this time. It may have been because of injuries or some other reason, but I would guess this season was just a fluke and they'll get back on track next year.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) [Prev. 13]
After having a fantastic 13-3 record last season, the Steelers were 4-1 at the start of the season with some quality wins over three playoff teams. From that point on, the Steelers only won two of their last games. This has turned out to be a disappointing year for Pittsburgh, who was hoping to make it to the SuperBowl. With their top pick and a large amount of cap space, they should be able to bring in some big name players who can become stars.
17. Washington Redskins (7-9) [Prev. 16]
The Redskins had one of the leagues best scoring offenses this past season. They did not benefit from their schedule though, as they had probably the hardest schedule out of anyone in this league. Going 7-9 especially after starting winless is not an easy feat. They came into their own down the stretch and showed promise for the future.
16. Carolina Panthers (10-6) [Prev. 5]
After starting the year 6-1, the Panthers narrowly missed out on the playoffs this time around. Although they did miss the postseason, they made a great accomplishment going 10-6 after a 2-14 record last season. They have a great owner and with more experience, they should be able to get it done next season.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) [Prev. 27]
As the second largest risers on this list, the Chargers quickly went from worst to first in the AFC West. After a rough start, they found their identity through running the ball with workhorse back Melvin Gordon. Gordon helped lead the Chargers on a win streak that led them to a division title. They lost in the first round the Cleveland, but they kept that game close and showed a lot of progress for next season.
14. Atlanta Falcons (9-7) [Prev. 14]
The Falcons were one of the many teams that we saw make a big jump this season. They brought in a new owner and he proved that he must be taken seriously. The Falcons ran a well-balanced team, as they were in the top half of the league in both offense and defense. They were only a game out of the last wild-card spot and with a few improvements could make it next season.
13. Miami Dolphins (7-9) [Prev. 32]
If I told you that after starting the season 0-8, the Dolphins would end up with a 7-9 record this season you would think that I was crazy. Well, that is exactly what happened. After getting a new owner after the midpoint of the season, they went on an incredible 7-1 run in the final eight games of the season. Although they weren't able to make it to the playoffs, it looks like the playoffs are in sight for next season if they continue to play as they did near the end.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) [Prev. 24]
When the Buccaneers started out the season 2-4, it looked as if last season was just a fluke. That ended up being far from the truth as they ended their year 9-7. If they could have gained their momentum just a little bit earlier, they would be in the playoffs right now. They'll be right with the Saints, Falcons, and Panthers next season in the race for the NFC South.
11. Seattle Seahawks (10-6) [Prev. 6]
Similar to the Panthers, the Seahawks settled down after a hot start to the year. They were able to sneak into the playoffs, getting the sixth seed but ultimately losing to Dallas in the wild-card round. Although they did not make it too far into the postseason, this season shows that they are trending in the right direction as they are fairly young and will learn how to close out some of their games.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5) [Prev. 2]
Another huge turnaround story with a new owner from last season, the Bengals ended one of their best seasons in franchise history 11-5. Unfortunately, they lost a close game against the Texans in the first round, but they are still a young team that has a lot of potential to do even better. As they get more experience, I could see them making a much deeper run next season.
9. Detroit Lions (12-4) [Prev. 4]
After being near the bottom half of the league for the past two seasons, the Lions finally made their big jump. They'll end the year 12-4 and with the fifth seed. They had both a top ten defense and offense which helped them tremendously. They ultimately lost a heartbreaker versus their archrival, the Packers in the first round but next season they will come back with a vengeance.
8. Green Bay Packers (12-4) [Prev. 9]
The Packers did not slow down and suffer from a Super Bowl hangover from last season. They secured themselves as NFC North Champions and defeated their division rival, the Lions in the opening round. They now have to go on the road into New Orleans to face a really good Saints team. They'll fight hard in that game and may be able to come out with a victory, but it will not be easy.
7. Buffalo Bills (13-3) [Prev. 15]
After an 8-8 season, the Bills went hard this offseason spending a lot of money and draft capital to acquire star players that they believed could help them make the jump and win a Super Bowl. It seems like their plan is working so far. They went 13-3 in the regular season and looked ready to make a deep playoff run. Although they were ultimately unable to get past the divisional round, where they lost to Cleveland, they played a close game. They should be able to continue this success next season, but the Dolphins may be a major threat to their dominance in the AFC East.
6. Houston Texans (12-4) [Prev. 10]
The Texans continued their winning ways this season with their 12-4 record. After a 0-2 start, they went 12-2 through the rest of the season. They worked their way to the 3 seed in the AFC and had a good team win against the Bengals. In a rematch of the AFC Championship game from two years ago, they ultimately lost to the Baltimore Ravens in a great game. Next year they'll look to finally get over the hump and advance to the Super Bowl.
5. Dallas Cowboys (13-3) [Prev. 3]
After another fantastic season for Dallas, they looked as if they had their chance to beat the Giants. They were up late in overtime with a chance to stop the Giants on fourth and goal to win the game. They ultimately let up a late touchdown pass from Kyle Lauletta that knocked them out of the playoffs. Besides from the Giants, the Cowboys have been able to beat almost anyone else in the league. Once they finally beat the Giants, they'll return to the Super Bowl.
4. Cleveland Browns (11-5) [Prev. 12]
After having an up and down regular season at times, the Browns completely flipped the switch in the playoffs. They went on the road and defeat the Chargers in a close game and then went into Buffalo and beat the first seeded Bills. They've been road warriors through the playoffs and will have one more game against their rivals the Ravens for a ticket into the Super Bowl. They've split their regular season games so this will be a good one.
3. New Orleans Saints (12-4) [Prev. 11]
After missing out on the postseason last year, the Saints came into this season hungry. They had a great 12-4 year that earned them the second seed in the NFC. They've got a matchup with the Packers this week and the winner will advance to the NFC Championship against the Giants.
2. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) [Prev. 7]
After missing the playoffs last season, the Ravens are now back into the postseason and look incredible. They defeated the Texans in the Divisional Round and have a big matchup against Cleveland in the AFC Championship. Lamar Jackson has cut down on the turnovers and has helped the Ravens have the best offense in the NFL, averaging 39 points per game. Now is their chance to win that Super Bowl that they missed out on in Season 1.
1. New York Giants (14-2) [Prev. 1]
The Giants have been the best team in the league for this whole season. They have looked unbeatable at times this season, and are the only ones who have been able to beat the Cowboys. They've got a team that is loaded with talent and playmakers all around for Kyle Lauletta. They'll host the winner of Packers vs Saints in the NFC Championship with a chance to make the Super Bowl.